fate vs personal control

Although there may be some coincidences in my life that make it seem as if fate is controlling it, when I consider the facts it is clear that my life is not a matter of fate, but that I have a significant influence on what happens to me. For example, it might look as though I was destined to study Chinese and Asian Culture simply because I grew up in Asia, my parents have a strong interest in Asian Culture, and that my two older brothers have studied and traveled in Asia. However, my interest in Chinese was not a matter of fate so much as it was a result of specific decisions I made during the course of my life. As early as middle school I made deliberate decision to stop taking Spanish because I had a strong desire to take Chinese in high school. The fact that I made my own decisions of how to alter my life at this point argues for free will shaping my life rather than fate.

            When I look at the pattern of events that led to Oedipus’ tragedy and downfall, it seems free will has a greater influence on the outcome of his life than fate or the gods. It is the number of decisions and kinds of decisions that Oedipus makes that control his life. The very nature of his character can be seen as the source of his actions that lead to his downfall. Anger, pride, and persistence all contribute to Oedipus taking action and making certain decisions that shape his life. For example, when Oedipus comes across Laius, his father, in the road on the way to Thebes, he becomes so irate with Laius for not giving way that he kills him. Ultimately, it is the anger and pride inside Oedipus that influences the decision to kill Laius. His capacity for anger and violence come out throughout the play, whether he is threatening Tiresias or blinding himself at the end of the play. In the end it is also Oedipus’ persistence to figure out the truth about Laius’ murder that leads to his downfall. Rather than fate controlling his life, these actions Oedipus made were all character flaws and choices that he personally made.

            Also comparing minority report and the life of John Anderton, it is clear that fate did not control his life because he took action to change his inevitable outcome. John Anderton took many steps and made many free will decisions to escape his “fate” that the pre cogs envisioned for him.

All the choices made by myself, Oedipus, and John Anderton were personal decisions and actions based on free will. I believe that people have the chance to create their own destiny with the choices they do and don't make.